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The other side of staging - the buyer side

By
Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate

We all understand the power of home staging.  It can allow a house to sell faster and for more money.  I was trained and certified as an ASP (Accredited Staging Professional) and use staging as a part of what I do. 

However, what about buyers?  When representing buyers, in many cases, I want to get them the best deal and a staged home may not be it.  I find that sitting down with a buyer and discussing the "before" side of staging can allow them to look for homes that can be real buys.  Houses that appear fairly priced, but attrociously decorated tend to stay on the market.  Poor photos on line.  "Primary colors" - something about bright red, blue or other dark or unually bright color that keeps a house on the market longer than usual.  When we find a house that desperately needs to be staged, we have a candidate for a very low offer.

Comments(4)

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Cynthia Sloop
Community Association Manager - Indianapolis, IN

Your blog made me think about the idea.  I had a home on the market for 6 months.  I asked seller to take wallpaper down in the entrance way and up the stairs because it was very dark when entering the home and somewhat closterphobic.  Seller would do it nor would they lower price.  Lots of people came through, no one made an offer.  Not even a low-ball one.  And had someone, I don't know if my sellers would have even considered it. 

I don't think investors really care if a home is staged.  They want it for the lowest price possible.  When I sold a home a few years back, it needed carpet and the colors in the home were not neutral.  Because I had equity to work with, the Realtor recommended we price the home lower than everyone in the neighborhood.  The Realtor felt that this was going to get us a sale and he would adverise it as priced so you can make it yours.  It sold in 3 days.  The buyers offered about $2500 less than asking and wanted a home warranty.  We all walked away happy.  o I don't know.  Some people can't see past the "ugly" others can.  You'd need to know your buyer and your seller.

Dec 04, 2006 05:31 AM
Bonnie Erickson
Tangletown Realty - Saint Paul, MN
It constantly amazes me that buyers can't see what a simple coat of paint will do to clean up a house.  That and elbow grease.  Reduce the price and buy the paint!  Also, having dealt with investor buyers, their mantra is the uglier the better because it lowers the price!
Dec 04, 2006 04:19 PM
John Perry
Credit Restoration Consultants - Weston, FL

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Aug 11, 2008 08:40 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

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